Date of Award

1-1-2015

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Mark Russi

Second Advisor

Martin Slade

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of the Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS) Employee Wellness Program.

Methods: A pre- and post- study design of wellness-enrolled employees from YNHHS was conducted. Biometric screening, Health Risk Assessment, one-on-one counseling and other wellness interventions were made available to 20,630 employees across the health system. There were 8,164 individuals who participated in both 2013 and 2014. Analysis was performed on the biometric measurement data obtained at initial screening in 2013 and follow up screening in 2014.

Results: Clinically and statistically significant improvements were seen after one year in biometric measures: BMI, systolic blood pressures (SBP), diastolic blood pressures (DBP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels. Shifts from high-risk categories into intermediate and normal risk categories were seen for blood pressure measurements and HDL levels. Age was a significant predictor of negative changes in SBP, DBP, glucose (fasting and non-fasting), total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels. Gender significantly predicted improved change in SBP, DBP, HDL, and triglycerides levels. Marital status significantly predicted change in SBP and DBP. Race was a significant predictor of change in BMI, SBP, DBP, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Job classification was a significant predictor of change in SBP, DBP, non-fasting glucose, and total cholesterol levels.

Conclusion: The Yale New Haven Health System Employee Wellness program significantly improved biometric markers of health.

Open Access

This Article is Open Access

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